BROMSGROVE driver Nathan Crewe braved tough conditions to improve his standings in the British Trials and Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA) Championship at the Rainworth Skoda Dukeries Rally over the weekend.

Crewe and co-driver Chris Brooks weathered warm conditions in their MG ZR to finish sixth overall in the XSpec1400 series and fifth in their class.

Success in Mansfield means that the pair moved up to fifth in the XSpec 1400 category, despite missing the first rounds earlier in the year.

The duo battled one of the warmest weekends of 2006 and coped with long straights that tested the MG ZE's stamina.

Crewe said: "It is a bit disappointing to finish in sixth but it was hard to ask for anything more given the power disadvantage.

"I can't keep blaming the car for the result, but we have suffered heavily with the nature of this rally.

"The next event should be better for us. It has been the hottest rally I have ever done, both Chris and myself have taken on lots of fluids. Chris put in another faultless performance once again."

The pairing will now test their mettle when they race in the Quinton Stages of the BTRDA on July 8.